Peña on Astros' seventh straight ALCS appearance: 'H-town, we’re going back to the Championship Series'

The Houston Astros have secured their spot in the American League Championship Series (ALCS) for the seventh consecutive year after defeating the Minnesota Twins 3-2 in the American League Division Series (ALDS). Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña expressed his excitement in a video, saying, "H-town, we're going back to the Championship Series. We need all of your support. Let's get it!" The Astros will face their Texas rivals, the Texas Rangers, in the ALCS.

The Astros had a challenging season, spending much of it trailing behind the Rangers in the AL West standings. However, they managed to win the season series against their I-45 nemesis and clinch the division crown. Veteran righty Justin Verlander commented on the upcoming series, stating, "Any time you play a division rival in the playoffs, you know each other so well, it makes for a fun series."

In the ALDS against the Twins, the Astros secured victory with key home runs from Michael Brantley and Jose Abreu, with Abreu's long history against Minnesota playing a significant role. Pitcher Jose Urquidy, who started the Astros' final regular-season game, delivered an impressive performance, allowing only three hits in 5 2/3 innings. The Astros' bullpen also performed well, limiting the Twins to just one run.

The all-Texas ALCS will begin in Houston, where the Astros will host Games 1 and 2. Despite struggling at home during the regular season, the Astros hope to secure victories in both matchups before heading to Arlington for Games 3 and 4. If necessary, Games 5, 6, and 7 will be played.

The stage is set for an intense showdown between the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers in the ALCS, with both teams vying for a chance to compete in the World Series.